New Delhi: The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Tuesday honoured former Indian opener Virender Sehwag by naming a gate of the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla, after him.
The Gate no.3 was dedicated to the former Delhi cricketer. While inaugurating the Virender Sehwag gate, the stylish right-hander said that it was a matter of huge honour to have a gate named after him at the ground where he began playing cricket.
“It’s an honour to have a gate named after me at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. I remember when I started off I used to daily cross this gate and now it has my name,” he said.
While thanking the DDCA, Sehwag also said that there would be many more Delhi cricketers who would have gates, stands and pavilions named after them but he is glad that he is the first.
He said, “There will be many more cricketers from this state who will have stands, gates, pavilions named after them but I am glad that I am the first one. I feel very fortunate and would like to thank the DDCA for this honour.”
“Any young cricketer will get motivated reading the name. Virender Sehwag played here as a kid and when he left there is a gate named after him so if I can also play for U-19, U-16, U-23 or Ranji for Delhi and then represent India, then a gate, stand or something will be after my name,” he added further.
When asked as to what makes Delhi cricket different from others, the cricketer-turned-commentator said, “In Delhi a lot of one-day cricket is played in clubs. And by the time these players come to Ranji Trophy they become very tough mentally and they don’t find it difficult to get used to the grind.”
Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal, who is also the head of the DDCA cricket affairs committee praised Sehwag and talked about his contributions to Indian cricket.
He said, “Sehwag changed the way the game was played in India. Earlier we used to score 240-250 runs in a day, but after he came 350-360 became possible. He was a major reason why India won so many matches.”